Steelers Injury Updates: Adams, Haeg, Highsmith Back at Practice

PITTSBURGH — Defensive lineman Montravius Adams, offensive tackle Joe Haeg and outside linebacker Alex Highsmith all returned to full participation in Pittsburgh Steelers practice on Tuesday.

Adams has missed several weeks with an ankle injury, Haeg has been in the concussion protocol and Highsmith missed the entire preseason with a rib injury. 

The practice was not full-contact, but all three players professed their readiness for the season opener at Cincinnati on Sept. 11.

“You know it, that’s the goal,” Highsmith said. “I got out today and got some practice reps. I’m just excited for today. … Monday will be good because we’ll put the pads on on Monday, so I’ll be able to get some contact in. I’m feeling good, though.”

Highsmith spoke with the team’s medical and equipment staff about adding extra protection to his padding for practice next week.

Haeg missed a couple weeks with a concussion, but said he was full go on Tuesday and is back to rotating as the backup at both left and right tackle spots.

“I was full today and I felt good,” Haeg said. “It is [frustrating], but in the end, it’s probably better than in the middle of the season. No we’ve got a two-week break to get back in the groove of things.”

Adams said he worked at both nose tackle and defensive end in his first return to practice.

Running back Najee Harris continued to be a full participant after recovering from a Lisfranc injury during training camp. Head coach Mike Tomlin said that he has no concerns about Harris’ health or workload moving forward.

“It’s a non-issue,” Tomlin said. “He was a full participant all last week, played in the game and will continue to. That’s in our rear-view.”

Tomlin did not have any updates about wide receiver Diontae Johnson (shoulder), safety Damontae Kazee (left arm) and outside linebacker T.J. Watt (left knee), who were all injured in the final preseason game on Sunday. Johnson declined to speak with reporters after practice.

“I’m optimistic about their availability,” Tomlin said. “Obviously, we’ve got a lot of time between now and Sept. 11. I just think that’s the appropriate attitude to have.”